Club Hotel Aguamarina

At totaling well over 500 guest rooms, the Club Hotel Aguamarina certainly qualifies as one of the largest hotels on the island -- perhaps even the largest. It was built in the 70s (before hotels of this size were outlawed on the island) and the blocky, functional architecture has all the charmlessness you would expect from the era. Check-in takes places between the two main buildings, block A or B, where interiors are also a throwback, with lots of beige marble, mirrored columns, and dated signage. However, the property is undoubtedly clean and well-maintained, and it offers everything the average family on a budget vacation could ask for. At close to nine acres, the grounds are also extensive, with swathes of lawns (albeit sometimes patchy) and footpaths that wind down to a sandy beach. 

Pushing 1,500 guests during peak season, space around the pools inevitably get a little crowded and raucous, with Block B prone to much of this noise. Block A, however, is set apart from the hubbub, and also features some of the most spectacular views over the stunning bay -- as well as easier access to it via an elevator. We heard mostly British accents during our visit, though the hotel also attracts families from all over Europe including Italy, Spain, and Portugal. 

The Club Hotel Aguamarina is part of the very low-key tourist development, populated by other hotels and vacation homes, in the small town of Arenal d'en Castell on the northern coast of Minorca. The setting is spectacular, set on the top of a low cliff overlooking a gorgeous sweep of sandy bay, and surrounded by pretty, green countryside. There are a few local restaurants within strolling distance, but very little else in the way of nightlife. One section of the Camí de Cavalls coastal footpath starts right next to the hotel, plus there's a nearby bus stop with buses that connect to locales around the island. Visitors can also explore the area by jumping on a local tourist "train" that does the rounds. Alternatively, it's about a 30-minute drive to the capital, Mahón, which is great for day trips, and reaching the airport takes roughly the same amount of time.

The hotel has 549 air-conditioned guest rooms, most of which are split between the two main blocks, with 22 housed in a third low-rise building. The main difference between the rooms is that those in Block B were all partially updated in 2016, with modern IKEA-esque furniture, wall-length beachscapes, and aquamarine drapery (though terrazzo flooring and lumpy walls still date the decor). Block A rooms remain very old-fashioned and with signs of wear in what could loosely be called Mediterranean styling. Positioned facing the sea, however, nearly half the rooms in Block A feature stunning views over the bay. The majority overlook the gardens and/or pool area, though some views are obscured by trees. 

Averaging just under 200 square feet (18 square meters), rooms are certainly small, though almost all open to spacious terraces or balconies. Flat-screen TVs also tend to be on the small side (24-inch), however they offer a good range of international and UK-based channels. There's not much else free of charge in the room, with safes, kettles, and mini-fridges all incurring a fee. Wi-Fi is also charged per device and it's fairly slow, though generally reliable. Bathrooms are all similarly clean and functional, with shower/tub combos (with plastic curtains), wall-mounted hairdryers, strip lighting, and basic toiletries. Family rooms add bunk beds for the kids. Reports suggest beds are generally on the hard side, though mattress toppers are available. 

As you'd expect from a resort-style hotel of this size, there's no shortage of leisure facilities. Starting with the pools -- of which there are five in all -- each block has a large main swimming pool, with Block B tending to host the noisier animation activities. For those wanting some peace and quiet, there's a jetted adults-only pool with sea views. Younger kids also have their own splash pool (one of the largest on the island), and there's a mini-waterpark with slides for the older ones. There are also several supervised clubs for children from three up to 15 years (over summer months). Sporting facilities include a tennis court and beach volleyball pitch, and there are ping-pong and pool tables. A windowless and gloomy gym with a few machines is also available, but there are no spa facilities. Complaints also suggest plastic poolside loungers are not very comfortable.

Dining facilities, on the other hand, are rather limited, with two dining rooms (one for each block) offering standard buffet items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is always included in the rate, with hot and cold buffet items such as eggs, bacon, pastries, cheese, cereals, and fruit. Lunch and dinner is pre-cooked pasta, meat and fish dishes, and salads, with very limited live cooking (usually pork). Quality can vary, though it's passable, if uninspiring stuff; half-board and all-inclusive rates are available. There's also a poolside bar serving afternoon snacks, such as burgers and ice cream, plus an inside bar where the evening entertainment usually takes place. There's a fee for Wi-Fi, though service is generally reliable.